The Nagaland Public Works Department (Roads & Bridges) has clarified that two road projects in Noklak district were foreclosed following the discontinuation of the Non-Lapsable Central Pool of Resources (NLCPR) scheme in December 2017 and not because of disputes over land compensation.
In a press release, the Chief Engineer of PWD (R&B) said the clarification concerned the construction of the 14.54-km Noklak-Thonoknyu road via Sanglao and the 31-km Jendang Saddle-Noklak-Pangsha road, Phase II. Both projects were the subject of Starred Question No. 18 during a session of the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly.
The department said the contractor had cited disturbances caused by landowners demanding compensation along the road alignment while seeking an extension of time for the projects. The same reason was subsequently mentioned in the department’s response to the Assembly question.
However, the department clarified that the projects were closed after the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER) discontinued the NLCPR scheme in December 2017. The decision was taken to avoid duplication of projects and allow the remaining work to be undertaken under new central or state government schemes.
The clarification followed a joint meeting held in Noklak on October 28, attended by representatives of the department, the contractor and the Khiamniungan Students’ Union (KSU).
During the meeting, the contractor informed the department and the students’ union that land compensation disputes had not halted the road construction work. The contractor also expressed regret that compensation-related issues had been cited as the reason for the closure of the projects.
The department’s clarification seeks to address concerns surrounding the status of the two road projects, which are important for connectivity in Noklak district.
Describing Noklak as a frontier area and a strategic asset to Nagaland, the PWD (R&B) said it was prioritising measures to complete the remaining work. The department indicated that efforts were being directed towards ensuring that the unfinished portions of the roads could be taken up under appropriate government schemes.
The completion of the two roads is expected to remain an important infrastructure priority for the district, where improved connectivity is essential for residents and the movement of people and goods.
